Sources: 
Russian billionaire Alexey Mordashov's superyacht Nord, valued at over
US$500 million (₹4,700 crore), transited the
Strait of Hormuz on April 25 amidst ongoing US-Iran maritime tensions.
The 142-meter yacht departed a Dubai marina on April 24 at 1400 GMT, sailing through the strategically vital strait and arriving in
Muscat early April 26, as per marine traffic data.
It remains unclear how
Nord obtained permission to navigate this restricted area, especially as traffic has been tightly controlled due to recent geopolitical conflicts.
Iran has imposed restrictions on the strait's transit due to a blockade on its ports by the U.S.
Historically, the strait allows an average of
125 to 140 daily passages, but that figure has drastically decreased since the onset of the Iran war on February 28.
Mordashov, who has faced sanctions since 2022 due to his ties with Vladimir Putin, has been under scrutiny, which adds a layer of complexity to the yacht's movements.
Tracking data shows the yacht’s Automated Identification System actively broadcasting its route, clearly visible rather than covert. After passing the strait, it continued towards
Muscat, with
Port Victoria in Seychelles marked as its next destination on AIS records.
Despite the current sanctions environment, the presence of
Mordashov's flagship yacht in such a contested waterway underscores the intricate dynamics at play in the region.
Sources: 
Russian billionaire Alexey Mordashov's ₹4,700-crore superyacht Nord navigated the blocked Strait of Hormuz on April 25, raising questions on its passage through the vulnerable shipping lane amid US-Iran tensions. The 142-meter vessel left Dubai and arrived in Muscat, showcasing its visibility during the transit.
